3D printers are an amazing technology, but haven’t yet broken into the mainstream. Largely because companies haven’t figured out a way to profitably employ them. Yet. However, based on my Google Analytics I can see some interesting companies are looking into the technology. These are big companies and if they apply 3D printing to their businesses it will make for some really awesome products.
Marvel Studios
Marvel Studios, makers of Iron Man and the upcoming Thor movies has a big business selling licensed merchandise based on their films. What if instead of buying a figure off the shelf at Target you could have a version, with your face under the Iron Man helmet printed in 3D? Its a cool idea and one that someone at Marvel Studios shares:
Fire Mountain Gems
Fire Mountain Gems is an ecommerce powerhouse that serves the multibillion dollar home jewelry making market. Using their catalog and online shopping carts crafters crank out beautiful pieces of jewelry. It seems though that the folks at Fire Mountain might be interested in how 3D printing could expand their service offering:
Medtronic
Medtronic is a serious medical device manufacturer and could have a tremendous impact commercializing a technology like 3D printing in a variety of applications. Someone from their office searched for “3D print clothes”, but I’m not sure how that would fit into their current product offerings.
I’m not sure if these searches will ever lead to product offerings, but it is fun to imagine a future where 3D printers are used to entertain, adorn, and heal us!
